Georgian troops move towards the South Ossetian border in an unknown location in GeorgiaFrom AFP:
TBILISI (AFP) — Georgia has launched an attack on the rebel region of South Ossetia and clashes are taking place near the regional capital Tskhinvali, the Georgian interior ministry said Friday.
"An attack is underway, clashes are taking place outside Tskhinvali," interior ministry spokesman Shota Utyashvili told AFP within hours of reports that Georgia and South Ossetia agreed to meet Friday for talks.
Officials said up to 12 people were killed and more than 20 wounded in clashes Thursday.
Russian news agencies earlier reported renewed artillery fire in South Ossetia's main town overnight Thursday.
"Tskhinvali is being shot at by mortar and heavy weapons from the Georgian villages of Nikozi and Ergneti and some houses are burning," Ria-Novosti news agency quoted an official speaking for Ossetia's ministry of emergency situations as saying.
Ossetian rebel leader Eduard Kokoity accused Georgia of having launched an all-out attack on Tskhinvali.
"The assault of Tskhinvali has started," he told Interfax news agency.
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More News On South Ossetia
South Ossetia ceasefire collapses -- Al Jazeera
New shooting reported in Georgia's South Ossetia -- Yahoo News/AP
Georgia starts operation in South Ossetia: Ifax -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Georgia starts operation in South Ossetia-Ifax -- Reuters
Georgia launches attack on rebel region: minister -- Sydney Morning Herald
Separatist Fighting Worsens in Georgia -- New York Times
Russian, Abkhaz volunteers head for South Ossetia: Ifax -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Russia says Georgia can no longer be trusted: Ifax -- Reuters
FACTBOX-What is Georgia's rebel South Ossetia region? -- Reuters
My Comment: The country of Georgia has been actively pushing for Nato membership .... but considering the volatility of the situation I would not be surprised if this is going to be delayed.
The fighting in these small enclaves can easily erupt in another Caucasus war involving numerous ethnic groups and the Russian Army. Russia is already sending "volunteers". I will not be surprised that if this conflict continues, Russian air support will be provided to the separatists.
After that ... what can happen is anyone's guess.
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